How can you not give us a pay rise, that we bloody well deserve, and then hit us with a pay cut? Retail workers are some of the lowest-paid and underrepresented.

We have worked right throughout the COVID-19 lockdown and we have copped abuse and hatred in a time of utter fear and confusion. We went to work every day, not knowing if this would put our families at risk. We stayed away from our parents and vulnerable family members for months to keep them safe. We don't choose to work Sundays, we are rostered on.

We would much rather be at home with our families. How can anyone, ever, think that it is OK to just start paying people less for doing the same job? Only people that don't work in the retail sector. The Fair Work Commission is failing in its duty to make sure that no workers shall be worse off.

I TOTALLY agree with A. Kerrison (The Examiner, June 23) and residents of our city also agree but are not heard because the minority seems to be the most vocal.

The Fragrance Hotel design is amazing and will enhance the streetscape.

THE Prime Minister has shot himself in the foot it seems. First, he has been clamouring for borders to open up. Now he is carrying on about the rise of the virus in Victoria. He has attempted some political mileage by attacking states that have sealed their borders but now is trying to backtrack.

He can't have it both ways.

THE federal government has effectively signed the death certificates of thousands of Australians. By stopping the importation of tobacco supplements, vaping will now no longer be possible. Medical practitioners have in a huge majority urged smokers to vape in preference to smoking cigarettes.

Health tests overseas have provided proven results, where vaping is the much-preferred option to those that smoke.

It would be of no surprise if the tobacco industry is lobbying the Federal Government through financial benefits to adopt the above-mentioned approach.

AT Thursday's City of Launceston meeting, the lease of the above land is to be discussed. Land listed as 2 Invermay Road.

People should know that this land actually stretches from 2 Invermay Road along the back of UTAS Stadium to Forster Street, encompassing the showgrounds, roundhouse, Esk Marketplace. When I questioned what would happen to the free parking area which is heavily utilised by people walking into town to work, parking cars for recreation, visiting the market and the free camping, I was told "some land would be kept by council" and "they have not decided yet whether to charge parking". The notice of intention to lease is misleading. I urge people to look up the council meeting agenda and read the valid objections. But I suspect it is already a "done deal" as it seems UTAS has only to tell this council what it wants and it gets it.

IN response to the Tasmanian Police Association acting-secretary Andrew Bennett's points (The Examiner June 19) on facts (in italics) about a column I wrote in The Sunday Examiner (June 14).

"His assertion that the model 17 Glock pistol can 'drop a human being at up to 100 metres' (or even 200m) is ignorant of the principles of marksmanship."

I watched am instructional video where ballistics experts fired a Glock at 50m, 100m and 200m at double strength paling timber. The bullet pierced the timber each time. You don't have to be a marksman to kill someone at a distance.

"The author states as fact that New Zealand police are not armed. Incorrect again. Every operational police vehicle in New Zealand carries two Glock pistols and two M4 .223 rifles."

Yes, but NZ uniform officers do not carry sidearms and that was the point of the column.

"For the record, Tasmania Police only use semi-automatic Glock pistols."

I never said Tasmanian police used fully automatic Glocks. I merely said some versions of the Glock were capable of fully automatic firing.

"Only the Special Operations Group carries Tasers. They are not issued to any other areas in Tasmania Police."

I stand corrected. Perhaps all operational police should carry Tasers. I gather the rest of my belt paraphernalia was correct.

"Finally, is the assertion that because Glocks are so rarely used, should they be carried by all operational members? That is akin to arguing our members don't need to wear their Multi-use Integrated Protection Vest because no one has been stabbed or shot in a while."

Mr Bennett, there's a world of difference between carrying a Glock pistol and wearing a bullet-proof vest. Your analogy is not credible.

I READ with great interest the news item on "Euthanasia Decision Divides Candidates" (The Examiner, June 22).

If you are for or against euthanasia you should vote for the candidate who is going to comply with your wishes.

After all, that's why you voted for the candidate in the first place.

Do not vote for someone who is undecided because you cannot trust them to carry out your wishes and consequently you may very well have helped elect the wrong person.